Plant-Based Diets For Dogs And Cats – What Does The Research Say?

Research shows that transitioning dogs and cats to plant-based diets can have significant benefits for animal welfare, health outcomes, and environmental sustainability. While it was previously believed that dogs and cats could not thrive on vegan diets, recent studies have shown that they can enjoy health outcomes as good as, if not better, than those on meat-based diets. The veterinary community is increasingly open to the idea of vegan companion animal diets, with the British Veterinary Association recently ending its opposition to such diets.

Critics of vegan diets for dogs and cats have raised concerns, but these criticisms often overlook the growing body of research supporting vegan pet foods. Studies have shown that cats, in particular, can thrive on nutritionally-sound vegan diets as long as they receive appropriate supplementation. Overall, the evidence suggests that transitioning companion animals to plant-based diets is a healthy and sustainable option that should be considered for the well-being of animals and the planet.